Ellen E. Cohen is a principal in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C., providing comprehensive representation for management in employment disputes. She handles cases involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration and administrative hearings.

Ellen takes a proactive approach in supporting her clients, providing valuable advice on a host of employment-related issues including employee discipline, termination, lay-off procedures, or accommodations under the ADA and FEHA. She knows how to offer strategic advice that is as practical as it is legally sound. Her adept handling of complex issues such as Family Medical Leave Act and state laws, wage and hour laws, and harassment and discrimination has made her an indispensable ally to her clients.

Perhaps most notable is Ellen’s commitment to understanding her clients’ businesses. She places great emphasis on working closely with clients, getting to know their unique operations, and building longstanding partnerships based on trust and mutual understanding. This approach allows her to devise tailored solutions that take into account not only legal risks but also business objectives.

Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed the Fair Workweek Ordinance, similar to the ordinance passed by the City of Los Angeles last year.

The ordinance takes effect July 1, 2025.

Covered Employers

The ordinance applies to retail employers who:

  • Are identified as a retail business in the North American Industry Classification

There are several posting requirements in California for employers and it is important to ensure the appropriate posters are displayed in an area frequented by employees where they may be easily read during the workday.

Two of California’s main administrative agencies that regulate workplace requirements, the Department of Industrial Relations and the California Civil Rights

On June 29, 2022, the Los Angeles City Council approved a new minimum wage ordinance for certain healthcare workers at privately-owned healthcare facilities within the City of Los Angeles. The mayor is anticipated to sign the ordinance, which will become effective 30 days after his signature.

Minimum Wage

On the effective date of the ordinance,

California’s Governor passed Assembly Bill 286 (AB 286) which amends the Fair Food Delivery Act of 2020. AB 286 makes it unlawful for a food delivery platform to charge a customer any purchase price for food or beverage that exceeds the price posted by the food facility on the food delivery platform’s internet website at

On August 28th, Governor Newsom announced new reopening plans for California in hopes of preventing another COVID-19 surge. The plan incorporates information learned over the past six months in addition to new scientific discoveries to create a system for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. It involves a four-tiered color system that ranks counties based on

In March 2020, many employers suddenly found themselves managing a mostly remote workforce due to COVID-19. As the pandemic stretches on, some businesses remain remote because of necessity, while others are considering the many advantages of a remote workforce.

As employees continue teleworking, employers should familiarize themselves with the requirements for reimbursement under California law.

At the end of July, the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) released guidance to assist with the safe reopening of businesses in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance covers the following topics:

  • Employer Obligations to Keep the Workplace and Employees Safe
  • Face Coverings
  • Medical Checks
  • Returning to the Worksite
  • Waivers of Liability

The